Samara – A Modern Russian Marvel

As a significant Volga port city, Samara is a hub for river, rail, and air transport. Although the city does portray deep traditional values, it is also a modern-age city with a lively vibe that will capture the heart of even the most discerned traveller.

Samara Sunset

Samara is essentially a Russian summer paradise. It is perfectly rounded off with sunbathers enjoying the serenity of the riverbanks. The modern megalopolis with a history of Russia’s fallback capital during WWII is also the centre of Russia’s aerospace industry. It is, at the very least, a city with a myriad of fascinating secrets and sights.

Located on the east bank of the Volga River, the city’s roots trace back to 1586, when a fortress was constructed as a vantage point along the river. Some say that Alexius, Metropolitan of Moscow and Patron Saint of Samara, visited the fortress city on 1357, predicting that it would rise to greatness one day. The saint was so right in his predictions.

The city’s economic and industrial stability paved the way towards its importance as a port and trade route with the East. Samara would be used as the capital of the Soviet Union should Moscow ever fall. At the beginning of WWII, a lot of ministers and government employees were housed in the safe house that is Samara.

Today, it is one of Russia’s most idyllic destinations. Imagine 7 kilometres of beaches, green parks, open-air cafes, and some of the most fascinating attractions in the region! You might be planning a short trip to Samara for the Soccer World Cup, but we’re betting your heart will want to stay for just a few more days.

From Fortress to Fabulous

Samara is Russia’s sixth largest city, but its origins date back to 1586 when construction of the “Samara township” started. Tsar Feodor I the Blessed issued an order to construct an outpost on Russia’s southern border. The fort was constructed under the belief that it would serve as a vantage point for protection against thieves and Cossacks. But in reality, the fortress served to control the Volga area.

The first settlements sprang up in Samara in the 14th century. By 1688, the settlement was officially given its present name and recognised as a county-level city. At the dawn of the 17th century, the town officially had more than 200 yards and was inhabited by a few thousand people.

The government treasury, courts, municipal government, and other government institutions were opened in Samara in 1780. By 1782, city administrators had approved a master structure plan to develop the city.

Expansions beyond belief

The city of Samara grew rapidly. By 1850, with a population of 15,000 people, it became the centre of the Samara province. Half a century later, Samara’s population increased to 90,000. A mere 15 years later, the population level had boomed to 150,000. The city was becoming known as trade and social hub. Weekly markets and annual trade fairs were at the order of the day.

Samara quay became the best of its kind on the Volga, and soon after, the city’s popularity grew thanks to the Orenburg railway that leads through the city. Thanks to wheat production on the outskirts of the city, it also soon became Russia’s best flour producer.

Samara Embankment

After WWII, Samara was the USSR’s industrial center. Within a few years, the aerospace and rocket industry boomed in the city. The first ever space flight, made by Yuri Gagarin, was made with a rocket that was assembled by the “CSDB Progress” Samara Aerospace Enterprise. Not only was Samara’s economy growing at a rapid pace, but the population also rose to 1.2 million by 1979.

Today, Samara is one of Russia’s most popular and prized cities. It’s a diverse destination with a strong historical backbone and a youthful radiance that will leave all visitors wishing they could linger just a little longer.

Making the most of your trip to Samara

Although you might be considering a stop at the Samara Arena to see a live football match during the Soccer World Cup 2018, here are a few other things to do and places to see in the city:

Visit the Samara Art Museum

The city’s most notable art museum sits in a 19th-century building. It forms part of a mansion on Venzeka Street and also the homes of two artists in the village of Shiryaevo. With more than 16,000 works of art in the collection, the museum covers art pieces created between the 17th and 20th centuries.

Be a history buff inside Stalin’s bunker

If you’re keen on learning a little more about the city’s strategic importance during WWII, a visit to Stalin’s bunker is a must. Buried 37 meters underneath the Academy of Culture and Art, the bunker is great fun to explore. It poses endless possibilities for wandering through the mazes of war rooms and chambers.

Sample local flavours at the Zhiguli Brewery

Zhiguli Brewery in Samara

The Zhiguli Brewery is probably best known for producing the “Zhigulevskoye” beer during the Soviet era. These days, the brewery is one of the city’s most important living monuments. There are various outdoor kiosks available where visitors can sit down to enjoy some freshly brewed beer accompanied by smoked fish after exploring the exquisite building complex.

Browse the Iversky Women’s Monastery

Founded in 1850, the Iversky Women’s Monastery is an attraction located near the Zhiguli Brewery. Before the monastery closed down in 1025, it housed more than 500 nuns. Nowadays, it serves as accommodation for employees of the brewery. It’s a great attraction if your love sightseeing. As a bonus, you can also pick up a few handicrafts to take back home as souvenirs.

Have your mind blown at the Samara New Space Museum

Samara New Space Museum

No trip to Samara would be complete without getting to know a little more about the city’s aerospace history. The Samara Space Museum contains all the history of Russian space technology. It also covers everything from the Soviet era to present day. Be sure to check out the life-sized Soyuz rocket, which is a must-see.

Get your tan on at some of the Volga Beaches

The city’s embankment is famous for a reason. You’d be missing out on a great trip if you didn’t swing by some of the beaches of the Volga. During the summer months, the Volga’s beaches come alive, which also equates to a perfect daytrip destination. If you’re up for it, you can explore them all with a 5-kilometre walk.

Miles Away Travel specialises in planning trips and tours to Samara as well as Russia in general. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our various tours on offer. You can also visit our match schedule page for more details on the Soccer World Cup 2018 packages we have on offer!

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